First Shift looms, 7 Millions things racing round my head

alfa1m · 30 August 2016 07:04

Hi all, First off although I’ve just registered I have been casually browsing the site over the course of the past 2 year’s for help in getting me through C2 and initial CPC. What a helpful and knowledgeable set of truckers you are too.

So after finally biting the bullet and jacking an engineering job of 8 years, I begin as an agency limper on Friday running out of Trafford Park delivering cages to pubs and restaurants around N/W.

I have some newbie questions to ask which I haven’t found definitive answers for.

1- As I’m working 3 shifts of 8hrs this week other work (none driving) when I jump in the cab friday morning would any of you bother recording this, and if so would a manual entry do?

2- Do you all record the time taken briefing with TM at beginning of shift,

3 Probably the most ridiculous question, but are we expected to record daily/ weekly rest times

4- When you arrive at depot for your shift and it has been loaded overnight ready for you, how many check the loading is to your satisfaction and has been correctly secured? Don’t want to get moaned at for taking half an hour leaving the yard to do thorough vehicle checks.

Many more things circulating around my head but these are the first to come to mind. Never driven a manual so thats a bit of a stress point as well as being a Tacho VU Virgin.

Seems like there’s so much to take in.

30% excited 70% bricking it!!

xichrisxi · 30 August 2016 07:22

Hi all, First off although I’ve just registered I have been casually browsing the site over the course of the past 2 year’s for help in getting me through C2 and initial CPC. What a helpful and knowledgeable set of truckers you are too.

So after finally biting the bullet and jacking an engineering job of 8 years, I begin as an agency limper on Friday running out of Trafford Park delivering cages to pubs and restaurants around N/W.

I have some newbie questions to ask which I haven’t found definitive answers for.

1- As I’m working 3 shifts of 8hrs this week other work (none driving) when I jump in the cab friday morning would any of you bother recording this, and if so would a manual entry do?
No,if you do you will also have to input all the break times too,to much hassle.

2- Do you all record the time taken briefing with TM at beginning of shift,
Yes,you record from the minute you clock on so when you put your tacho in you’ll knock it back time wise to the time you clocked on and record from that point up to the current time as other work

3 Probably the most ridiculous question, but are we expected to record daily/ weekly rest times
Yes on your tacho,switch it over to break when your having your breaks throughout the day then at the start of your next shift when you put your tacho in you will have the option to state what you have done with the time since the tacho was ejected the previous day this is where you put it as break for your daily rest.
4- When you arrive at depot for your shift and it has been loaded overnight ready for you, how many check the loading is to your satisfaction and has been correctly secured? Don’t want to get moaned at for taking half an hour leaving the yard to do thorough vehicle checks.
As soon as you take control of the vehicle your legally responsible for its load security,take as long as you need to if your not happy with something get it out back on a bay and sorted

Many more things circulating around my head but these are the first to come to mind. Never driven a manual so thats a bit of a stress point as well as being a Tacho VU Virgin.

Seems like there’s so much to take in
30% excited 70% bricking it!!

stanny_1985 · 30 August 2016 07:30

Hi there and good luck mate I m newly passed too only about a month Infront of yourself. I ll have ago at answering them but some of the older more experienced people may correct me which would be helpful for me too.

No I wouldn’t bother.
Yes definitely always do a manual entry to cover that.
The tacho does this for you but if your going to change this by a manual entry just make sure your rest period stays as rest period a bloke at our placed managed to change his 48hr rest to other work TM not impressed.
You should never be afraid to take time to thoroughly check the vehicle including the load as when you leave the yard anything that’s wrong is getting charged straight to you ie. Points/fixed penalty.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

stanny_1985 · 30 August 2016 07:33

I wouldn’t worry about the manual side of things either I did some rigid shunting for a few weeks there manual boxes were simple 6 speeds no different to your car they had one 4 over 4 which was easy enough too. After your first shift you’ll wonder why you were so worried.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

alfa1m · 30 August 2016 07:50

Cheers both, I kind of thought that the 9-11 hour period between the tacho being discarded would be assumed as daily rest by VOSA, so when I jump back in for next shift I am technically supposed to manually confirm this as a break of 9-11 hours or whatever the rest period ends up as ? Just wondered how many professional drivers actually did this or just hoped common sense would prevail if pulled for a Tacho check by VOSA/ TM

trevhcs · 30 August 2016 08:09

Welcome to the weird and wonderful (usually) world of driving and the million questions that they don’t teach you when you do your test. Right, to the questions.

You could record it as “other work” (cross hammers symbol) on the tacho but they can be a bit of a pain. Strictly you should record this information but if you’re not doing it every week then according to information on this forum, you can get away with writing it in a new diary for the purposes of VOSA. Personally I probably would do the diary option just to keep things on the safe side as you’ll probably not have time when you start working.

If you were splitting the days between driving and non-driving jobs, then you could:

Write this on the back of digital tacho paper.
Write it on an analogue tacho chart but be careful storing these.
Enter it via the tacho as other work if you’ve got the time.

Again, you should record that as “other work” just like you should record your walkaround checks as that before driving. Personally I put the card in (assuming digi tacho), set it to other work and do checks etc. then drive away. You should be given time to do the checks and fill in the defect sheet (often just a little book) so I’d leave it on other work while doing that and then maybe a few mins longer to cover the briefing. It just provides a paper trail for later use, eg: VOSA.
Weekly and daily rest are recorded simply by putting the tacho to “rest / break” and then ejecting the card for digital tachos or ejecting the disk for analogue ones. On digital tachos, next time you insert the card it’ll ask “Rest since last use” or similar. Click “OK” and it’ll record that time as rest, then it’ll know by the length of time whether it was a daily or weekly rest automatically.
You’re ultimately responsible for that vehicle and it’s load, so you only drive it when you’re happy! I would always check it’s secured, properly loaded and all the paperwork is there before considering setting off. Someone will probably moan if they’re a pain in the rear, but it’s not their licence which is at stake. Any transport manager worth their salt will back you up.

Ultimately, don’t worry, everyone bricks it when they first start. Make sure people know you’re new and you’ll find a lot will help you in any half decent place as everyone has been there, even if some don’t remember. Just take your time and don’t worry if anyone moans…there’s always one!

Edit: Probably repeated quite a bit of above as I started writing this an hour ago, but got to show something for my time otherwise the missus will be wondering why I’m on “other work” and not “housework”.

simcor · 30 August 2016 08:11

As said yes you absolutely should record any other work in the week before driving for the first time and any time in between.

Manual entries are a pain but by doing it you have covered yourself, once you know how to do manual entries then it get’s easier. Have it written down so you are not trying to do it from memory whilst entering it on the tacho head. Don’t forgot to make sure your breaks are in at the right times for the WTD for your other work non driving.

When you take a break you need to press the mode button on slot 1 until it displays the bed symbol (rest), most people add an extra minute on to be sure they have recorded the correct amount of break. Also be aware some tacho’s if you cycle the ignition at all whilst on a break will revert it back to other work.

There are different types and revisions of tacho heads, so how they work what you see on screen etc can vary. When doing a manual entry it will show the last time your card was ejected and the mode, enter your ME’s for that day to cover up to actually finishing your shift, then usually it will prompt for manual entries until your card was re inserted, as for daily/weekly rests, some say it has to be put on rest before you eject the card at the end of a shift, record your daily rest manual entries with either rest or unknown time(?), I have never had any issues using ? unknown and never had an infringement for it as daily rest as the card has been removed from the tacho.

As for the load then absolutely check it and make sure it is safely loaded and strapped/secured as required, it is your responsibility once it leaves the yard, so take as much time as is required, it is your licence that is on the line.

All of it is your responsibility on the road, by not doing things correct or taking shortcuts etc you are risking a lot should you be involved in an accident or get pulled for a roadside check by VOSA.

spacemanz10 · 30 August 2016 08:53

I was told to record other non driving time between shifts as? And record it manually as stated earlier.

alfa1m · 30 August 2016 10:10

Thanks again all, very helpful.

RE Gearboxes, in your experience which type of gearbox am I most likely to come accross? IE I know most modern are fitted with auto/semi auto, but percentage wise how many 4 over 4’s, normal 6 speed gearbox, split gearboxes would you expect to encounter?

Feel like i will be too stressed Friday and so a 4 over 4 or a split will only pile on the pressure, i accept im going to encounter them at some point driving for agencies but id like to settle into the the job first!

evil8beezle · 30 August 2016 15:35

Alfa1M:
Thanks again all, very helpful.

RE Gearboxes, in your experience which type of gearbox am I most likely to come accross? IE I know most modern are fitted with auto/semi auto, but percentage wise how many 4 over 4’s, normal 6 speed gearbox, split gearboxes would you expect to encounter?

Feel like i will be too stressed Friday and so a 4 over 4 or a split will only pile on the pressure, i accept im going to encounter them at some point driving for agencies but id like to settle into the the job first!

Don’t get yourself worked up over what gearbox it might be, it won’t change anything!
More than likely you’ll be in an auto, but the next most popular seems to be a 4 over 4.
Just do what everyone else has done in the past, practice on the job while taking it slow and steady…
However, if you don’t know the type of box your confronted with, ask!!!
An employer would much rather have an employee that asks in an effort to get things right, than one that just tries to blag it…

daytrunker · 30 August 2016 18:17

Re cages.
Delivering to pubs etc can be a pain in the ■■■ when their open (did 3 years at Brakes so know what they are like) you won’t be allowed to push cages tho the pubs when they are open so look for the back door to the kitchen first off,also be carefull of outside of the kitchens as spilt cooking oil is not nice gets on your boots and can have you over,always check our boots if you think you have stept in some as driving with oily boots is dangerous.
Mind out for uneven surfaces sounds easy but pushing a full cage a manhole cover or a broken slab with have the cage over and you if your not careful.
Take your time don’t rush and don’t feel like you have to rush coz someone wants to get in or out the pub,tough ■■■■■ your working they aren’t.

Hope it helps

Jeff.

alfa1m · 30 August 2016 22:03

Daytrunker:
Re cages.
Delivering to pubs etc can be a pain in the ■■■ when their open (did 3 years at Brakes so know what they are like) you won’t be allowed to push cages tho the pubs when they are open so look for the back door to the kitchen first off,also be carefull of outside of the kitchens as spilt cooking oil is not nice gets on your boots and can have you over,always check our boots if you think you have stept in some as driving with oily boots is dangerous.
Mind out for uneven surfaces sounds easy but pushing a full cage a manhole cover or a broken slab with have the cage over and you if your not careful.
Take your time don’t rush and don’t feel like you have to rush coz someone wants to get in or out the pub,tough ■■■■■ your working they aren’t.

Hope it helps

Jeff.

Thanks for the heads up, will certainly bare in mind.

Was all set for this job commencing Friday but earlier had a phone call off another agency offering Mon-Fri work delivering carpets. Good pay but was advised shifts can last upto 12 hours- slightly concerned that their vehicles don’t have bunks as not leaving a large margin for error to get back inside the maximum 15 hours,

Yet more things to contemplate, Anyone with experience with carpets? All commercial properties, nothing to deliver to homes so hopefully the handball wouldn’t be too harsh on me.

alfa1m · 30 August 2016 22:30

Just had another thought- my last shift on Thursday (none driving) ends at 10.30pm, with my first shift driving Friday begins at 06:00am,

That only gives a rest of 7.5hrs , must this be a 9hr reduced daily rest even though im not driving on the Thursday?

Strictly speaking ill probably clock off way before 10.30pm on the Thursday but just interested to know.

coolrider · 31 August 2016 16:26

Alfa1M:
Hi all, First off although I’ve just registered I have been casually browsing the site over the course of the past 2 year’s for help in getting me through C2 and initial CPC. What a helpful and knowledgeable set of truckers you are too.

So after finally biting the bullet and jacking an engineering job of 8 years, I begin as an agency limper on Friday running out of Trafford Park delivering cages to pubs and restaurants around N/W.

I have some newbie questions to ask which I haven’t found definitive answers for.

1- As I’m working 3 shifts of 8hrs this week other work (none driving) when I jump in the cab friday morning would any of you bother recording this, and if so would a manual entry do?

2- Do you all record the time taken briefing with TM at beginning of shift,

3 Probably the most ridiculous question, but are we expected to record daily/ weekly rest times

4- When you arrive at depot for your shift and it has been loaded overnight ready for you, how many check the loading is to your satisfaction and has been correctly secured? Don’t want to get moaned at for taking half an hour leaving the yard to do thorough vehicle checks.

Many more things circulating around my head but these are the first to come to mind. Never driven a manual so thats a bit of a stress point as well as being a Tacho VU Virgin.

Seems like there’s so much to take in.

30% excited 70% bricking it!!

Ok time to know doubt set the cat amongst the pigeons on this because I think there are a few too may posts like this being asked and as a TM responsible for recruiting drivers it is quite concerning what sort of training new drivers into the industry seem to be receiving!

All my answers are based on what the law says and not opinion only!

all work has to be recorded , whether driving or not.
if your being briefed by your TM then it’s work so yes recorded as other work.
all rest periods daily or weekly must be recorded
when you take a vehicle out on the road YOU are responsible for the truck and the load so it doesn’t matter who loaded it YOU must check it. In fact it’s all part of your daily checks that your legally required to do.
you asked a question further down about finishing your previous job at 1030pm and starting your driving job the next morning. In your example no it’s not legal because you need a minimum rest of 9 hrs which is a reduced rest.

Although I would and have helped anybody new into the game it does concern me that you don’t understand some of this stuff having completed your CPC.
I do understand that the driving hrs regs can be complicated but some of the stuff you’ve asked is very straightforward and not complex. Especially about recording your breaks that did surprise me you asked that one.

This is not a go at you personally before I get accused of the B word but a lot of people also ask why it’s so hard for a newbie to get a job

I’m sorry but constant threads like this, not to mention some of the answers given certainly don’t help newbies coming into our industry.
This is also the type of stuff that keeps VOSA in a job!

Like I said it’s nothing personal at all to anyone but I do look at these threads, of which they seem to be quite regular and wonder is it the training you guys are receiving or is it you who just can’t seem to grasp the most simple of the laws and regs.

My serious advise to newbies struggling with the working hours and regs is to take what you get on these sites with a pinch of salt.

Google the regs, print them off and learn them. Keep a copy with you to refer to when needed.

For those that say not to follow the law by the book that’s up to them!

I’ve mentioned briefly before that I was heavily involved in a fatal investigation involving a polish truck where a family man, not the truck driver passed away at the scene. I won’t go into details for obvious reasons but the investigation involved following every move that driver made from 2 weeks before the tragic event. That included liasing with polish authorities , ports, cctv of where he had been and the obvious drivers hours tachos and all his previous loads!

What I’m saying is if the brown stuff hits the fan then the authorities will leave no stone unturned!

By the way the driver of the truck got 5 years!

My point is, again with no disrespect to anyone, some of the people that are answering some of these threads don’t even know the law themselves and only give an answer because the think they know it!
Just like the truck and the load is your responsibility it’s also your responsibility to know the law and the regs.
It certainly wouldn’t be a defence when you get pulled or the brown stuff hits the fan to say " well I didn’t understand it but Jo blogs on truck net said it would be ok"

coolrider · 31 August 2016 20:52

Stanny_1985:
Hi there and good luck mate I m newly passed too only about a month Infront of yourself. I ll have ago at answering them but some of the older more experienced people may correct me which would be helpful for me too.

No I wouldn’t bother.

Yes definitely always do a manual entry to cover that.

The tacho does this for you but if your going to change this by a manual entry just make sure your rest period stays as rest period a bloke at our placed managed to change his 48hr rest to other work TM not impressed.

You should never be afraid to take time to thoroughly check the vehicle including the load as when you leave the yard anything that’s wrong is getting charged straight to you ie. Points/fixed penalty.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This response proves my point about people giving advise that’s not only incorrect but totally unlawful that could , if taken notice off land the op and his company in a whole lot of bother.
I’m referring to the answer you’ve given to the op in question 3 where the op has asked about recording rest. You’ve stated the tacho does this for you. Does it?
I’ve never seen a tacho automatically go to rest! They go to other work not bed!!

The ops asked a question about law and regs please don’t give him an answer that could land him in a lot of bother.

stanny_1985 · 31 August 2016 21:00

Coolrider:

Stanny_1985:
Hi there and good luck mate I m newly passed too only about a month Infront of yourself. I ll have ago at answering them but some of the older more experienced people may correct me which would be helpful for me too.

No I wouldn’t bother.

Yes definitely always do a manual entry to cover that.

The tacho does this for you but if your going to change this by a manual entry just make sure your rest period stays as rest period a bloke at our placed managed to change his 48hr rest to other work TM not impressed.

You should never be afraid to take time to thoroughly check the vehicle including the load as when you leave the yard anything that’s wrong is getting charged straight to you ie. Points/fixed penalty.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This response proves my point about people giving advise that’s not only incorrect but totally unlawful that could , if taken notice off land the op and his company in a whole lot of bother.
I’m referring to the answer you’ve given to the op in question 3 where the op has asked about recording rest. You’ve stated the tacho does this for you. Does it?
I’ve never seen a tacho automatically go to rest! They go to other work not bed!!

The ops asked a question about law and regs please don’t give him an answer that could land him in a lot of bother.

Firstly if you read my post fully I do state right at the top that I may not be as experienced as others on here but as know one had bothered to answer him I thought I d at least try. I read his question as his weekly rest period in which the tacho I have been using does automatically say that I have been on rest whilst my card has been removed.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

coolrider · 31 August 2016 21:25

Stanny_1985:

Coolrider:

Stanny_1985:
Hi there and good luck mate I m newly passed too only about a month Infront of yourself. I ll have ago at answering them but some of the older more experienced people may correct me which would be helpful for me too.

No I wouldn’t bother.

Yes definitely always do a manual entry to cover that.

The tacho does this for you but if your going to change this by a manual entry just make sure your rest period stays as rest period a bloke at our placed managed to change his 48hr rest to other work TM not impressed.

You should never be afraid to take time to thoroughly check the vehicle including the load as when you leave the yard anything that’s wrong is getting charged straight to you ie. Points/fixed penalty.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This response proves my point about people giving advise that’s not only incorrect but totally unlawful that could , if taken notice off land the op and his company in a whole lot of bother.
I’m referring to the answer you’ve given to the op in question 3 where the op has asked about recording rest. You’ve stated the tacho does this for you. Does it?
I’ve never seen a tacho automatically go to rest! They go to other work not bed!!

The ops asked a question about law and regs please don’t give him an answer that could land him in a lot of bother.

Firstly if you read my post fully I do state right at the top that I may not be as experienced as others on here but as know one had bothered to answer him I thought I d at least try. I read his question as his weekly rest period in which the tacho I have been using does automatically say that I have been on rest whilst my card has been removed.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You should always physically select bed to record all rest not just rely on the tacho to do it for you.

You mention about your mate selecting other work. That’s why it’s always advisable to physically select the mode you require yourself.

spacemanz10 · 31 August 2016 21:30

How did it go Alfa?

alfa1m · 2 September 2016 11:51

Coolrider:

Alfa1M:
Hi all, First off although I’ve just registered I have been casually browsing the site over the course of the past 2 year’s for help in getting me through C2 and initial CPC. What a helpful and knowledgeable set of truckers you are too.

So after finally biting the bullet and jacking an engineering job of 8 years, I begin as an agency limper on Friday running out of Trafford Park delivering cages to pubs and restaurants around N/W.

I have some newbie questions to ask which I haven’t found definitive answers for.

1- As I’m working 3 shifts of 8hrs this week other work (none driving) when I jump in the cab friday morning would any of you bother recording this, and if so would a manual entry do?

2- Do you all record the time taken briefing with TM at beginning of shift,

3 Probably the most ridiculous question, but are we expected to record daily/ weekly rest times

4- When you arrive at depot for your shift and it has been loaded overnight ready for you, how many check the loading is to your satisfaction and has been correctly secured? Don’t want to get moaned at for taking half an hour leaving the yard to do thorough vehicle checks.

Many more things circulating around my head but these are the first to come to mind. Never driven a manual so thats a bit of a stress point as well as being a Tacho VU Virgin.

Seems like there’s so much to take in.

30% excited 70% bricking it!!

Ok time to know doubt set the cat amongst the pigeons on this because I think there are a few too may posts like this being asked and as a TM responsible for recruiting drivers it is quite concerning what sort of training new drivers into the industry seem to be receiving!

All my answers are based on what the law says and not opinion only!

all work has to be recorded , whether driving or not.

if your being briefed by your TM then it’s work so yes recorded as other work.

all rest periods daily or weekly must be recorded

when you take a vehicle out on the road YOU are responsible for the truck and the load so it doesn’t matter who loaded it YOU must check it. In fact it’s all part of your daily checks that your legally required to do.

you asked a question further down about finishing your previous job at 1030pm and starting your driving job the next morning. In your example no it’s not legal because you need a minimum rest of 9 hrs which is a reduced rest.

Although I would and have helped anybody new into the game it does concern me that you don’t understand some of this stuff having completed your CPC.
I do understand that the driving hrs regs can be complicated but some of the stuff you’ve asked is very straightforward and not complex. Especially about recording your breaks that did surprise me you asked that one.

This is not a go at you personally before I get accused of the B word but a lot of people also ask why it’s so hard for a newbie to get a job

I’m sorry but constant threads like this, not to mention some of the answers given certainly don’t help newbies coming into our industry.
This is also the type of stuff that keeps VOSA in a job!

Like I said it’s nothing personal at all to anyone but I do look at these threads, of which they seem to be quite regular and wonder is it the training you guys are receiving or is it you who just can’t seem to grasp the most simple of the laws and regs.

My serious advise to newbies struggling with the working hours and regs is to take what you get on these sites with a pinch of salt.

Google the regs, print them off and learn them. Keep a copy with you to refer to when needed.

For those that say not to follow the law by the book that’s up to them!

I’ve mentioned briefly before that I was heavily involved in a fatal investigation involving a polish truck where a family man, not the truck driver passed away at the scene. I won’t go into details for obvious reasons but the investigation involved following every move that driver made from 2 weeks before the tragic event. That included liasing with polish authorities , ports, cctv of where he had been and the obvious drivers hours tachos and all his previous loads!

What I’m saying is if the brown stuff hits the fan then the authorities will leave no stone unturned!

By the way the driver of the truck got 5 years!

My point is, again with no disrespect to anyone, some of the people that are answering some of these threads don’t even know the law themselves and only give an answer because the think they know it!
Just like the truck and the load is your responsibility it’s also your responsibility to know the law and the regs.
It certainly wouldn’t be a defence when you get pulled or the brown stuff hits the fan to say " well I didn’t understand it but Jo blogs on truck net said it would be ok"

Couldn’t agree more about the lack of knowledge passed on during the training /cpc period. Your given the basic hours and rest periods you need to abide by but the questions I’ve asked aren’t covered fully to my satisfaction anywhere I’ve looked.

The rest question related to a 24hr/45 hr weekly rest, it’s been Googled and i have dsa’s guide lines but no definitive answer. I did presume if the card read empty for a period of time then that would be enough to satisfy VOSA that I’d had a rest, but I appreciate your knowledge.

I’ve gone into this still no idea how to use a tachograph properly.
Question has got to be asked why theirs plenty of TMs out there allowing people to step into the cab with such a vague idea of the rules such as myself without even meeting them face to face such as today , just leaving keys to a 50 grand wagon in a safe.

Didn’t even know how to strap my load up today. They teach you how to tighten a ratchet around a metal frame at the Test Centre, not on 12 pallets of differing sizes.

alfa1m · 2 September 2016 12:13

spacemanZ10:
How did it go Alfa?

How long have you got? Horrendous.

Started with a phone call at 5 pm last night asking if I’d do a different job, a one drop and back load to Wokingham overnighter. Sounded easy as It gets, I took it.

Got to the yard, gates locked, no securit, no code. Couldnt get through to the agency or the company.

Waited half an hour for another agency worker to turn up with a code.

Didn’t get a briefing as Noone on site. Found the vehicle with the load bulging out one side by a good 10cm. Refused to take it (couldn’t gain access to the load to strap it anyway). Waited for someone to turn up, First on site was TM.
" Why the ■■■■ are you still here, it’s got to be there for 12"
Told him the problem.
“My lads know how to load a wagon”

Oh right nice one.
Stupidly backed down and accepted it, strapped up best I could.

Left yard, 5 mins down the road checked my fuel gauge. Less than quarter. My fault for missing it out on the walk round, was rushing and stressed and made a stupid error.

No fuel card. Pulled up and tried ringing TM. No answer. Rang agency. They tried TM. No answer.
Agency rang me back and said fill it up to what I need and they will cover the costs by bank transfer, I agreed.

Get down as far as Leicester services.

TM rings. Get a bollocking for not taking fuel card.

I inform him I’m not going to make the drop for 12.
Told to carry on regardless.

10 mins later TM rings again.
Get back. Their rejecting the late drop.
Went back. Given a 2nd job local multi drops.

At this point I’m fuming. Given a piece of crap 10 yr old Volvo with manual tacho, never used before. Get assisance for that of one of the older drivers, the TM came over said nothing but gave me a stare like id just touched his children inappropriately.

Scrape side of the truck along a wall whilst turning right out of the yard. Stupid stupid error.

Get out hand keys in and fill in accident report.

Thanks for asking anyway!
Beer time.